CRPS or RSD

I've been away for a while and may not come online as much as I would like to. The incident that caused damage to my shoulder wasn't burst tendons. I have spent the last few weeks having tests and have to go for a MRI next week. My sympathetic nervous system was damaged. It's permenant and degenerative so cannot be cured.
The condition is RSD - Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy or CRPS is it's other name - Complex regional pain syndrome. It means I will probably have to give up work in the next few years if my mobility worsens. At the moment I cannot lift my arm more than 30 degrees and the muscle has thinned.
I have to go to a pain management specialist, have physio, x-rays and other tests. It's quite rare so it wasn't picked up at the time the guy (who got hit) fell on me.
I have to take each day as it comes and carry on. There are chances of remission so I will have good and bad days. There are so many pills and so little time to fit them in Happy
I will have to get sewing so I can do a lifetime of crafting in the next few years. Expect more projects.
The real irony is that before my daughter became ill I got a place at university to study medical physics linked with neuro surgery.....think I know too much.
I'm ok in myself just very tired.

Ps If you read the article I wrote for the Happiness Snippets you will see how I look at life. I wrote the article before I got the diagnosis and it's going to help me in tough times when I look back at it.

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52 replies since 29th August 2010 • Last reply 29th August 2010

Reply #1:

Hugs
Your article was inspirational-as you are.
In your vast experience have you ever come across Bowen Technique? I had huge benefits from this following my neck injury and hip surgery.I have contacts if you need them.I hope you find a great team to care for you.
Looking forward to seeing your creations as you adapt to this new challenge.




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Reply #2:

Goodness me Happy
Bless your heart, and your such a brave woman!

My mother and grandmother both have RSD (my mom has it in her arms and my grandma has it in her foot).

RSD can be quite the struggle. I've seen the effects it can have on a person, and it's heartbreaking.
But you seem very optimistic and the fact that you're not giving up on yourself and your art, well, it's very inspirational!

Much love and I wish nothing but the very best for you~♥

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Reply #3:

Oh honey, I'm soo sorry you are going through this. I don't think you can never learn too much, especially when it comes to something that is regarding yourself.

Lots of hugs to you and I look forward to seeing more of your awesome projects.

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Reply #4:

Thanks guys. I'm trying not to feel sorry for myself. I'm lucky in some respects as I have a brilliant Consultant. My GP sent me to see a private one and the NHS paid for it so I got a first rate service. My medical knowledge will help me understand what is going on. The main thing is to keep positive. I have a 'can do' attitude to life so in bad times I will cry then pick myself up again.

@ Debs I haven't come across Bowen Technique but you can bet when I've finished typing what I'm going to look at. Thanks sweetie Happy

@ Erica I really feel for mum and grandma. It's so dibilitating being in constant pain. I'm going to construct a mirror box to try to 'fool' my brain. Maybe I should put it on here as a 'How To'. Thank you for your kind thoughts Happy

@ Jeanette I'm arming (tee hee) myself with as much info as I can. My GP hasn't had the diagnosis sent through to him yet so he will be playing catch up. I'm going to download some projects today that I did as therapy. Bless you Happy

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Reply #5:

@ Debs. I have had a quick look at the therapy. It could be something that may help when I get my levels of pain to a manageable stage where I can be touched. Thank you so much for the info Happy

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Reply #6:

Aaawww Sheila I'm sooooo sorry to hear you going through all of this. It can't be pleasent, life always has it's ups and downs (some better than others) but you will have the strength and courage to face it head on and when you have them really awful days where you feel you can't you will always have your friends and family around you to support you and us on here to vent to.

I haven't read your Snippets article but guess where I'm going next after here!!

I am eagerly awaiting to see your crafts, but don't overexert yourself. <3

All my love goes out to you
xoxoxox

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Reply #7:

Thanks Becky. It's so good to have my friends on here :X

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Reply #8:

You're more than welcome my darling, I'll always be here <3

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Reply #9:

I'm so sorry to hear this. I was reading back through the favourite poem thread yesterday and it got me thinking of you and wondering how the shoulder was. Big cyber hugs are winging there way to you.

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Reply #10:

Hi Kat. Thanks. It sort of explains all the sleepless nights. I thought my long term depression was the root cause. Turns out it is the condition causing my depression to worsen and the sleepless nights is because of the pain Happy

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Reply #11:

I feel you hon, my depression makes my asthma worst too

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Reply #12:

Hi Michelle. We will have to start an alternative therapy link for relaxation techniques ;)

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Reply #13:

Hi Sheila, i have not read your snippets article (but i am going to) and I am not clear as to what exactly how you got hurt or if this is degeneration of the area (i am going to look it both up to understand) But you mentioned that it hurts to be touched...have you tried Reiki? I know you are in England and I dont know if it is big over there but i studied it (I'm a level 1)and it is healing without touch(energy healing)...check it out and see if it something that would help you!! Big healing hugs to you!!

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Reply #14:

Hi Melisa. Thanks. The original injury was a dislocated shoulder. The short story is I was sitting waiting for a bus after work. A bloke hit a guy in the face, he fell backwards and landed back to back with me his full body weight on my shoulder, neck and upper spine.
The CRPS developed from the injury and my conditon has degenarated because the length of time it's taken to get diagnosed Happy
I've used Reiki before and found it really helped. I have a friend who does a simular kind of healing therapy so I might just call round to her house for a cup of coffee....LOL

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